Bahrain opposition fears reform talks not serious
\nBy shiapost \u2013 July 6, 2011Posted in: Bahrain<\/p>\n
DUBAI: Bahrain\u2019s opposition said on Wednesday the first session of a national dialogue for reforms in the Gulf island kingdom raised questions over whether talks aimed at easing tensions after unrest this year can succeed.<\/p>\n
The country\u2019s Sunni rulers crushed mostly Shia-led pro-democracy protests in March. After a four-month crackdown, Bahrain hopes to lay the groundwork to heal deep rifts.<\/p>\n
But opposition groups said the first working session of the dialogue on Tuesday night left them concerned that their main demand \u2014 a representative, directly elected government \u2014 would never reach a consensus in break-out groups where some 60 people were allowed only five minutes to present their views.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo reach a complete solution to the big problems, you have five minutes to speak? What is that?\u201d asked Sayed al-Mousawi of the main Shia opposition group Wefaq. \u201cIs this dialogue?\u201d<\/p>\n
The organisers of the national dialogue have said sessions will continue over a two-week period and then convene again if consensus is not reached on specific issues.<\/p>\n
Bahrain faced international pressure to begin reconciliation after the fierce crackdown in which hundreds of mostly Shias were arrested in the tiny Gulf island state, a financial hub and host to the Fifth Fleet, the US Navy\u2019s main regional outpost. …more<\/a><\/p>\n